Instructors  

Ginger Brown/ owner

Ginger Brown is the Founder and Artistic Director for Ginger Brown’s Academy of Performing Arts.  Ginger has personally performed or taught dance/other performing arts in Puerto Rico, Belgium, Italy, England, Germany, Austria, France, Switzerland, Luxembourg, and throughout the United States.  She has trained with and taught alongside some of the greatest Master Instructors in the industry.

For over 40 years, Academy students have taken numerous top honors in Regional and National Talent competitions, as well as top National Choreography Awards.  Academy students have had the opportunity to travel and make special guest performances in England and South Korea Arts Festivals, Cruise Ships, ½ time show Tribute to the Great Smoky Mountains for UTK at Neyland Stadium, various Theme Parks, as well as the opening number many years for the TV production of the Gatlinburg Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade.  Many students have continued their love for dance and performed professionally in ‘Off Broadway’ shows, Cruise Ship Lines, Stage Shows, Theme Parks, and Television.  MORE

Michael Dawn Blackwell

Hi I’m Michael Dawn. I danced under the direction of Ginger from the age of 5 until I graduated high school. I danced for The University of Georgia’s football and basketball teams and was also a Sugar Moc. I then opened my own studio, Heart and Soul Dance to share my passion with others just as Ginger taught me for many years.. I have been back teaching at Ginger’s for 11 years. I am a 7th grade teacher at Ringgold Middle School and also coach the RMS dance, cheer and track teams. I love getting to help kids be the best they can be.  

Shelby Morris

I’m Shelby. I started dancing at the age of 2 and competed with GBA for 13 years. This has been my 8th year on the DDF staff. I married my high school sweetheart and we had a baby boy in September. I work for Chattanooga Times Free Press but teaching dance is my life.

Neely Bailey

Hi I’m Neely. I started dancing at the age of 3 at my mom’s studio, Heart and Soul Dance. When the studio closed, I began dancing at GBA. I danced at GBA for 5 years and have been teaching for 4. I love working with all the students at the studio., but my passion is the littles. They are such sponges and keep me laughing always. I am also a hairstylist at The Hair Refinery in Ringgold.

Courtney Davis

I’m Courtney. I began dancing at Ginger’s at the age of 4. This is my 7th season coaching DDF. I work in HR in the healthcare field and will graduate in August with my Masters of Human Resource Management degree. I am married to my best friend and also have a 10 year old daughter who competes with the DDF.

Emily Marlin

I’m Emily. I began dancing at age 3 at Dance Works in Murfreesboro, TN. At age 9, I auditioned for Dance Works Elite Competition Team and was a member of the team until I graduated high school. I moved to Chattanooga in 2015 to attend UTC and graduated with a degree in Accounting & Financing. I’ve been teaching at GBA since 2016. I am married with 3 dogs. In addition to teaching dance, I also work for Unum in Chattanooga.